Owen, Rooney neck and neck behind Beckham

England midfielder David Beckham has comfortably held on to his crown as the wealthiest player in UK football.

The latest edition of the Football Rich List, released today on FourFourTwo.com, shows that the 34-year-old’s bumper £128 million five-year-contract with Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy ensures he remains more than £85 million ahead of his nearest rivals.

Trailing in Beckham’s wake are Manchester United strikers Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney. And while the Red Devils make up four of the top five richest players, close rivals Chelsea – backed by Roman Abramovich’s roubles – also feature prominently, accounting for a further eight of the top 20.